Student Counseling Services patient

Counseling Services


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Mission Statement

The SDSU Counseling Center is dedicated to fostering our student body's holistic well-being and academic success. We aim to empower students to navigate personal and academic challenges, develop resilience and achieve their fullest potential through compassionate, confidential and culturally sensitive support. By offering a range of counseling services, workshops and resources, we strive to create an environment that promotes mental health awareness, personal growth and a balanced life, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their educational journey and beyond.

Vision

To empower every student to realize their fullest potential through compassionate support and personalized guidance.

People-Centered

You'll be relieved to know that SDSU also provides personal and confidential assistance on campus through Counseling Services at no charge to the student. Whether you dealt with emotional difficulties before coming here to SDSU or they have started to affect your studies now, we are here to provide support. Our experienced and qualified counseling staff can help.


Stepped Care Model

The Stepped Care Model allows students to receive the level of mental health support they need, when they need it. Rather than fit students into one type of mental health service, students receive a care plan that works for them the same day they walk into the clinic for support. For more information about our Stepped Care Model please email us at, SDSU.SHC@sdstate.edu.

Screening Times

Monday-Friday | 8:30-11 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m.

For Urgent after Hours Mental Health needs

These contacts may help you.

Brookings Contacts:
UPD: 605-688-5117
UPD from campus phone: 111
UPD can reach an on-call counselor after hours during the academic year.

Brookings Police Department: 605-692-2113

Brookings Sheriff's Department: 605-696-8300

Brookings Health System (Hospital): 605-696-9000

East Central Mental Health Center: 605-697-2850

Sioux Falls Contacts:
Avera Behavioral Confidential Assessment Line
800-691-4336 or
605-322-4065

National Suicide Hotline:
988 (Call or Text or Chat)
(Visit)

Student Counseling Services
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Online Opportunity
Uwill Teletherapy

Free access to on-demand online wellness programming. Relax and recharge your mind and body with a wide range of wellness programs including yoga, meditation, mindfulness, nutrition and work/life balance.

Staff Counselors

Amanda Jacobson
Amanda Janssen, M.S., LMFT-Supervisee
  • B.S. in human development and family studies | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University
  • M.S. in marriage and family counseling | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University
  • Currently working toward earning certification to be a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã.

My goal as a therapist is to create a welcoming environment for students to open up about any mental health concerns they may be having. College is a great place to grow and work on becoming the best version of yourself, and we are here to help you do so. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you meet your goals!

Ashley_Day
Ashley Day, M.S., NCC, LPC-Supervisee
  • B.S. in psychology | University of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã
  • M.S. in clinical mental health counseling | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University
  • Currently working towards earning certification to be a licensed professional counselor in the state of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã.

My goal as a staff counselor is to provide a safe, comfortable space for students to come and talk about their wellness journey. You are not alone in this process, and it is OK to ask for help. I look forward to meeting with you!

Autumn Garr
Autumn Garr, MSW
  • B.A. in human services | B.A. in behavioral sciences | à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Wesleyan University
  • M.S.W. with emphasis in mental health and trauma | University of Denver 

My goal as a staff counselor is to allow you a space to be open and honest about life stressors that are impacting your life, all while growing with skills and insight for yourself. Life can be difficult and uncomfortable at times, and we are here to support you. I look forward to navigating life’s stressors with you! 

Gabe Hertler, Staff Counselor
Gabriel Hertler M.S., NCC, LPC-MH, QMHP, Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
  • B.A. in psychology, religion minor | Concordia College Moorhead
  • M.S. in counseling and student affairs | College Counseling Emphasis
  • Post degree graduate level coursework toward terminal licensure and clinical supervision certification: South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro

My goal as a staff counselor is to provide an environment to help clients bring change to their lives with an adaptable, eclectic, trauma-informed approach with an emphasis on psychoeducation and self-discovery.

Julia_Counselor
Julia Walker, M.S., LPC-Supervisee
  • B.S. in psychology | North à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University | 2018
  • M.S. in clinical mental health counseling | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University | 2021
  • Currently finishing certification to become a licensed professional counselor in South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã. 

When meeting with students, I prioritize tailoring my approach to whatever works best for that individual. Regardless of what brings someone into my office, my goal is to help students feel seen and valued, one human being to another. Life is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Katie.Hillerud
Katie Hillerud, M.S., NCC, LPC-Supervisee
  • B.S. in human development and family studies | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University
  • M.S. in clinical mental health counseling | South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University
  • Currently working toward earning certification to be a licensed professional counselor in South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã.

I am passionate about helping students work through various challenges with a strengths-based approach. I will work to empower you to find your solutions and create positive change. I am a therapist who celebrates marginalized identities, abilities, and bodies. Come see us; I am so excited to work with you!

Counselor.Bio.Portrait
Laura Valencia, Counseling Intern, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student
  • B.S. in psychology | Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia.
  • Specialization in pedagogy of human rights | Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia.
  • Pursuing a master’s degree: M.S. in clinical mental health counseling at South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University, currently completing a counseling internship.

My goal as an intern is to provide culturally sensitive services and apply evidence-based therapeutic approaches while enriching my learning experience as a student. I believe in creating a supportive and welcoming environment for everyone and encouraging students to take steps toward their well-being. I am eager to support you on this journey!

Contact us
Counseling Services
1440 North Campus Dr.
Brookings, SD 57007